Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts

Thursday, December 29, 2016

My First 12 x 12 Sampler

I like firsts!  It's so exciting to do something for the first time.  I'm always so afraid to take the first step, but once I actually get geared up and start the fear suddenly disappears and the endorphins kick in and the thrill of discovery and creativity takes over.  What a thrill!

My project today is a Christmas sampler and it's a "first".  Although I've often admired and drooled over the samplers that I see other card makers display, I've never made one myself.  So when a friend asked me to create something special for his partner for Christmas morning (actually the "largest card" I could make), it was a no-brainer.  I suggested a Christmas Sampler with a card and he agreed.  And, I'm so happy he did!  What an enabler!

Supplies:
Stamp Sets:  Merry Mice, Candy Cane Lane, Christmas Cactus, miscellaneous snowflake and let it snow stamps
Card Stock: Whisper White, Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Real Red, Candy Cane Lane DSP, Chip Board, Watercolour Paper, Dazzling Diamonds and Red Glimmer Papers
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso, Real Red, Pacific Blue, Old Olive, Flirty Flamingo, Tip Top Taupe, Delightful Dijon, Pear Pizazz,
Accessories: Paper Trimmer, Detail Scissors for fussy cutting, Dimensionals, Tom Bow Glue, Tear N' Tape, Aqua Painter, Circle Framelits, Banner Framelits


Dimensions:
Since I only had a few hours to pull this together and didn't have a lot of supplies on hand I basically began hauling out my Christmas stamps and designer paper to see what I would put together. Ideas started to flow and  creativity started to kick in once i began fussy cutting images, water colouring and gluing.  Here's how it took shape:
1.  Base layer:  I started working with a 12 x 12 piece of White Chip Board from the Candy Cane Lane DSP package, turning the side without writing to the top. 
2.  Second layer:  11 1/2" x 11 1/2" piece of diagonally striped DSP.
3.  Third Layer:  11" x 11" piece of Crumb Cake and white DSP.
4.  Small Squares:  3" x 3" Early Espresso layered with 2 3/4" x 2 3/4" card stock or DSP.
5.  Two Large Rectangles:  3" x 6 1/2" layered with 2 3/4 " x 6 1/4" Crumb Cake and 2 1/2" x 6" Whisper White layers 






The Other Side:
Unfortunately I didn't have time to take a picture of the reverse side of this sampler, but  I did cover the chipboard with another designer series paper from the Candy Cane Lane collection.  It was the one with the Candy Cane hearts.  

I created an actual Christmas card that could be signed and I attached it to the center back of the sampler with Tear N' Tape.
The card base is an 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" piece of Real Red card stock, layered with a 5 1/4" x 4" piece of Whisper White and then a piece of Watercolour paper cut to 5" x 3 3/4".  The Christmas Cactus is an old Whipper Snapper stamp I've had for years, and was appropriate for this gift.  Of course the cute little mousie is from Merry Mice.  

Well that's it for today's project.  I hope you've enjoyed this share and it inspires you to step out of your comfort zone and create something you wouldn't normally try. The recipient of this card was thrilled and plans to frame this little "piece of art". 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this sampler and any questions you might have about it's assembly.  
Happy Stamping!
Penny Tokens Stampin' Spot

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Deals of the Week and Product Updates for November


There's still time this week to take advantage of the "Deals of the Week" selections for the week of October 28th to November 3rd, 2013.  All available items are discounted at the prices noted below in red.  The framelits are an exception deal.  Just thought you'd like to know.


Product Updates and Information for November:

While you're shopping in my on-line store be sure to check out these other new products and specials:

The Clearance Rack:  
Don't forget to check out the deals on the Clearance Rack, it's updated regularly.  You could save up to 80% on these specially priced items.  
Holiday Tag It Bundles:
Our two Tag It bundles include the tags, the ribbon, and the boxes to make your own pretty packages.
Holiday Tag It Decorative Box Bundle  
Item #135811 Price $24.95, includes: 
  • Stamp a Tag Kit
  • Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards)
  • Decorative Window Gift Boxes (6 boxes)
Holiday Tag It Extra-Large Box Bundle 
Item #135812 Price $23.95, includes:
  • Stamp a Tag Kit
  • Cherry Cobbler 1" Stitched Edge Grosgrain Ribbon (10 yards)
  • Extra-Large Gift Boxes (3 boxes)
Only available October 29th to November 19, 2013

POP N' PLACE GIFT TAGS AND BUNDLES:





Check out the Pop N' Place Gift Tags and Bundles 

Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book  134975  Price: $11.95  
  

Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book is a booklet of 70+ tags in five paper designs, 2 pages of each design—created from our existing punch and die shapes. These gift tags are perfect for making cute tags for any gift this holiday season.

Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Bundle  135921  Price: $22.95  
  


This bundle includes the Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book (which includes 70+ tags in five paper designs, 2 pages of each design) plus the coordinating Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set. These gift tags are perfect for making cute tags for any gift this holiday season.


Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Starter Bundle  135290  Price: $27.95  


This bundle includes the Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book (which includes 70+ tags in five paper designs, 2 pages of each design), the coordinating Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set, a Soft Suede ink spot, and a clear block to stamp with. These gift tags are perfect for making cute tags for any gift this holiday season.

Christmas Tagables Photopolymer Stamp Set  134623  Price: $16.95  



Christmas is a time for tags; you need tags for gifts and treats for everyone. This photopolymer stamp set coordinates with the Pop & Place Holiday Gift Tags Book to help make it easy to create tags. Our photopolymer stamps offer a versatile all-clear stamping option. You’ll find that our photopolymer is top-quality and gives a perfectly stamped image every time. The stamps stick amazingly well to our clear blocks (we recommend using the C block with this stamp set) and are easy to place just where you want them. And best of all, you get to enjoy tons of images for a great price!

MDS Studios 


It's the most wonderful time of the year-30% off select holiday downloads and print products! 

What's included?
A variety of festive downloads to help you get a head start this busy season. See them here.

Once you've designed your holiday projects, you'll need to print them, right? You can also get 30% off photobooks, swatchbooks, cards, tags, and individual pages. View pricing here. 

October 29-November 30: We're kicking off the most wonderful time of the year today with 30% off select holiday downloads and print products.  

November 1-8: Join us as we celebrate Digital Scrapbooking Days. Go to MyDigitalStudio.net every day for guest bloggers, challenges, daily deals, videos, and more! Don't miss the FREE download on Saturday.  

The My Library for My Digital Studio app is now available for iPads, Android tablets, and the Kindle Fire. 

We have a lot of other surprises in store for you in the coming weeks. Stay tuned and don't forget to check out our latest downloads, here (PDF), including the FREE November wallpaper.  


Friday, October 11, 2013

Tags 4 You Pinwheel Tutorial


 
In follow up to my workshop at the end of September, I wanted to give each of my new customers a card and a thank you for their orders.  Since the workshop was a Winter/Christmas theme I decided to make each of them a Christmas card that they can actually use.

As these gals are all relatively new to stamping I wanted to keep the card simple and yet fun, so decided on using a pin wheel tag base layered on some of the Seasons of Style Designer Paper and feature the "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" sentiment from the Tags 4 You stamp set.  This is a very simple card and so a great design for a stamp a stack class or when you want to churn out a bunch of cards for your friends and relatives assembly line style.  Here's the "how to's"

Supply List:

Cardstock:  Cherry Cobbler for the card base, Gumball Green for the pinwheel base, Whisper White for the sentiment and inside of the card

Stamps:  Tags 4 You* from the Holiday catalogue, Small Snow flake stamps or some other Winter/Christmas themed stamp to decorate the inside of the card.

Designer Paper: Seasons of Style Designer Paper, Red Glimmer Paper

Ink:  Gumball Green and Cherry Cobbler

Accessories:  Chevron Embossing Folder, Basic Rhinestones, Bracket Punch*, Apothecary Framelits, Trimmer, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals, Adhesive strips. 

Note:  The Tags 4 You and the Bracket punch can be purchased individually or as a bundle.  You save 15% off total cost before shipping and handling when you buy the bundle.   






For the Card Front:
  1. Cut Cherry Cobbler card stock to measure 8 1/2 x 5 1/2" for the base, score at the center and fold.
  2. Dry emboss the front panel of the card with the Chevron Embossing Folder
  3. Using your trimmer cut a strip of Season of Style DSP to measure 51/2 x 1 1/2" 
  4. Cut two 5/12" x 1/4" strips of Red Glimmer Paper
  5. Choose which side of the DSP you want facing up, I chose the stripes to contrast with the pinwheel.  On the reverse side lay down two strips of sticky strip - one on each long edge and attach the two 1/4" wide strips of Red Glimmer Paper.  TIP:  I line up the glimmer paper along a straight line on my grid paper, remove the sticky strip backing on one side of the DSP and position this piece over top of the glimmer paper adjusting to make sure the amount of glimmer paper showing is even and then adhere the strip.  I repeat this for the other side of the DSP.  
  6. Adhere the DSP/Glimmer paper strip to the front of the card about 5/8" from the bottom.  TIP: Because this piece needs to bear the weight of the pinwheel I adhere it with a couple of sticky strips along each edge.
  7. For the pinwheel, cut two 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 squares of Old Olive Card stock.  Lay one square over the other to achieve a Star of David pattern and adhere together.  TIP:  When I make the first pinwheel I always line up the points on grid paper so it's evenly spaced all around.  Once I've adhered the two pieces together, I draw an outline around it so I have a template.  The template acts as a guide for making more pinwheels.  This is really helpful when you're making a lot of these cards.
  8. Once the base for the pin wheel is assembled cut eight 1" by 1" squares using your paper trimmer.  TIP: Cut 1" by 6" strips of DSP and then cut these strips down to 1" squares.  When you're assembling the pinwheel alternate the patterns of the DSP to achieve a patchwork effect.
  9. See the pictures below for placement of these squares.  It's important that when you place the first square that you only glue down half of it.  When you place the last square on the pinwheel you'll need to lift up the first one and work the last square under it.  Once the last piece is glued down, then glue down the edge from the first square so it lays flat.  This step will make sense when you make your first pinwheel.
  10. Stamp the sentiment in Gumball Green on Whisper White card stock and cut out with the bracket punch.  Glue to the center of the pinwheel with dimensionals and add two basic rhinestones for a little more bling.
  11. Attach the pinwheel to the center of the strip with dimensionals.

For the inside of this card I cut out Whisper White card stock with the Apothecary Labels Framelits and then stamped some random snowflakes with Cherry Cobbler ink to add some interest.  You could paper pierce this piece to add more interest.

The inside of this card has a piece of Whisper White card stock but to 51/4 x 4" and again some random snowflakes stamped in Cherry Cobbler ink.

Here's a batch of the cards I completed.  Don't they look cheery and bright? This design can be used for any occasion just change up your paper and sentiments.

Making the Pinwheel:

Cut 2 squares measuring 2 1/4" x 2 1/4" from coordinating card stock.  For this example I am using Island Indigo.

Using grid paper, line up the two corners of your square so the points are resting on a line (top and bottom of square).  Adjust the sides of the square so they are in the middle of a grid line.  Draw a line around the square with a marker pen.

Once you've drawn the first square remove the square and this is what it should look like. 

Line up the second square so it intersects with the first one and again draw a line around it with a marker.

Save this drawing because this will become a template that you can use to line up your squares before gluing them together.

Cut strips of designer paper to measure 1" x 6".  Cut these strips into8 1" squares.  If you move the strip along between the inches, it is easier to cut them.  Don't use a 1" punch because you waste dsp. 

Lay out the squares so you have one of one pattern and then the next in the flip side of the DSP. This just makes it easier to grab the next square for gluing onto the grid.

Glue the first square to the top pointed piece of the pinwheel.  This is your starting piece.

Only put adhesive on the right hand side of the 1" square so you can lift it at the end. You'll see when we get to that picture why you do this.

Once you have the first square in place just continue around overlapping squares and reversing the patterns as you go.


Okay now you need to lift the left hand corner of the first square.

While the corner is lifted fit the last 1" square in place and glue down, then add adhesive to the left had corner of the first square and glue it down. 

When it's all finished your pinwheel will look like this.  Make sure all the squares are glued down so they don't catch and lift.  You're now ready to put whatever embellishment you choose in the center of the square so the construction part is covered. 


To construct the strip on the face of the card cut a piece of DSP from the same paper you chose for the pinwheel to 5 1/2" x 1 1/2".  Also cut two strips of card stock or glimmer paper 1/4" x 5 1/2".  These strips will be mounted on either side of the dsp strip before it's adhered to the card front.

Just put sticky strip on the back of the DSP piece long edges and then add the smaller card stock strips.  Make sure they measure the same when you look at the flip side - see next picture.


I added a snowflake to the front of this card so this picture just shows the Festive Flurry snowflake image cut out in Silver Glimmer paper being added to the front of the pinwheel. 

Here's the finished card with the embellishment added.  I used the Honeysuckle Embossing Folder to dress up the front of the card.  Kind of looks like ice crystals. 
This is the inside of the card.  Both stamp sets used are retired.

Here are some additional pinwheel samples.  You can make these ahead and just add them to your cards when you make them.  They're so much fun to make and so quick once your pieces are cut out.  This is a terrific way to use up scraps.  
 

The sentiment is from the Chalk Talk stamp set and is mounted on a Red Glimmer paper scallop circle.  Silver glimmer paper replaces 4 of the 1" squares to add some bling. 

This one features Red Glimmer Paper matched up with Cherry Cobbler card stock and Season of Style Designer Series of Paper.  The stamp is from the Tags 4 You stamp set.

Here's one for Thanks Giving that was made for the Pals Paper Challenge #175 this week.  I made the designer paper as part of a One Sheet Wonder using the Wonderfall Stamp set and Gorgeous Grunge.  The patterns are stamped in Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Cajun Craze and Early Espresso inks.  I added Champagne Glimmer Paper for some bling.  The sentiment is punched out with the Bracket punch and then I punched out two more bracket labels, cut them in half and fitted them to the back of the sentiment.  Easy peasy!

Here's one I made last year using the Ornaments Stamp set and Framelits.  It was mounted on a quilt base that was achieved with strips of dsp on adhesive sheets. 


And that's it for this tutorial and post.  Hope you enjoyed it.  I'd love to have your comments and if you make one using this tutorial please link back to me.  Appreciated.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

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